Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, stated that they will remove red meat imports from the agenda of Turkey by the year 2028. Attending the opening of the Çankırı Veterinary Road Control and Inspection Station, Yumaklı said that in the last 23 years, there has been a 71% increase in the number of cattle to 17 million, a 72% increase in the number of sheep and goats to 55 million, and a 55% increase in the number of poultry to 380 million. Yumaklı stated that these numbers indicated an increase in all animal production sectors by a minimum of 2 to 4 times, highlighting Turkey’s ranking on a global scale in livestock.

Yumaklı noted that Turkey has been receiving attention from all countries around the world due to being a significant producer. He emphasized the successful performance in animal production exports, mentioning how they increased exports from 2002 to 14 times, reaching $3.5 billion. Yumaklı also mentioned that the regulation of red meat imports shifted to the Meat and Milk Institution in 2024, ensuring control over price increases and ending monopolistic practices.

The measures taken to prevent price hikes were crucial, and Yumaklı highlighted that no price increases had occurred recently, emphasizing that there is no reason for any such increases due to efficiency in livestock production. Their goal is to eliminate all potential problems regarding red meat and ensure stability in the market, focusing on domestic production.

Yumaklı also emphasized their efforts to combat animal diseases and prevent unregulated animal movement, increasing controls at checkpoints. He mentioned the significance of the project for livestock development and increasing livestock breeding stock, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders in supporting their initiatives. Overall, Yumaklı emphasized the commitment to reach their goal of removing red meat imports from the country’s agenda by 2028, providing stability and progress in the red meat sector.